SA Wine Guide 2025

Parker Estate Kidman Block Shiraz 2023

Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Wrattonbully Cabernet Shiraz 2019

G 94

A warm and dry vintage for the region in 2019, which helped ensure that the Whalebone Vineyard, planted 45 years ago, had a very small yield. The wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet and 15% Shiraz. The Shiraz comes from the Crayères Vineyard. After destemming, the two varieties were fermented separately, after cold soaking. A week’s maceration on skins followed. Malolactic fermentation was in French oak barriques, half new and half single use, before 17 months of maturation. 670 dozen under cork. Deep maroon in colour, the nose gives aromas of black fruits, warm earth, cigar box notes, tobacco leaves and toasty oak. There are hints of vanilla, nutmeg, chocolate, dried herbs and cassis. Showing good length and fine tannins, this is an attractive style for drinking over the best part of the next decade. Drink now–2034 Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Shiraz 2020 G 94 This dark and heavy set blend of 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz is brooding and sitting quietly for its time to shine. Dark gravel and blackberry aromas are enriched by graphite, clove spice and wrought iron with savoury tones from long oak ageing. Flavours are tight and muscular with deep set tannins leading to a strong and closed finish. Very young but very good and built for the long haul. Drink 2032–2045 Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2022 G 94 This quite charming and reserved 2022 Cabernet Shiraz is a little shy right now but feels adolescent rather than dilute. It delivers refined aromas of red currant, and black currant topped by subtle dark earth and measured oak. Graphite and gravel flavours are then wrapped in a core of chewy tannins which support a generous finish. Excellent balance with an even shape and lingering finish suggest this will age well. Drink 2028–2036 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Old Vines Shiraz 2022 G 94 Medium-deep crimson. Aromatic and elegantly styled with white pepper, blackberry, mulberry aromas with hints of dark chocolate. Well-balanced with ample dark berry fruits, fine chocolate textures. Attractive mid palate volume and well integrated acidity. A fine tannin plume at the finish. Drink 2026–2035

Deep crimson. Brooding blackberry, cherry liqueur and sandalwood aromas with a strong backbone of sweet oak. Blackberry, graphite and blackcurrant flavours enriched by a firm backbone of chewy tannins with some attractive tobacco leaf notes to finish. Drink 2028–2035 Redman Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 94 This 2022 Cabernet is bold for Coonawarra but still holds its shape admirably. Powerful slaty blackcurrant aromas are lifted by touches of oregano and bay leaf with sweet blackberry in support. Dry, sturdy and strong with a dense core of drying tannins accented by juicy acidity. Generous ripeness but all kept in check nicely with cherry liqueur accents to finish. Drink 2030–2040 Redman Coonawarra Shiraz 2022 G 94 This immediately enticing 2022 Shiraz offers up a delicious mix of sweet and savoury with choc blackberry aromas lifted by strong scents of toasted cloves and wood smoke. Vibrant yet measured, with excellent overall purity and a solid base of tannins. Slightly closed with a long, tight finish now but has the integrity and balance to build nicely. Drink 2030–2042 Redman The Last Row Shiraz 2022 G 94 Crafted with fruit off 80- and 100-year-old vines, this ethereal 2022 Shiraz is something special and right now only teases with aromas of blackberry, camphor, cassis and dried mint with a strong seam of peppery spice amplified by finely tuned oak. Excellent concentration and balance from old vines is the key, with a firm yet seamless bed of dense tannins adding significant structure. Fantastic energy to this wine provides a promising future. Drink 2030–2042 Smith & Hooper Cabernet Merlot 2022 G 94 Deep crimson. Bold aromas of cassis, roasted meats and choc-mint with cedary/ spicy hints. Powerful liquorice, gravel and chocolate flavours are underscored by muscular tannins with a strong, structural finish.. Drink 2028–2034

Balnaves of Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 2021

G 93

Deep crimson. Refined with classic blackberry, boot leather, choc-mint, blackcurrant and gravel aromas with cedar notes. Excellent concentration with ample flavour and tannins working in harmony through to a long, yet youthful finish. Drink 2026–2035

206

The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus

South Australia 2024

207